Massachusetts Small Business Law
How Can a Lawyer Help Your Small Business?
If you are like most business owners we work with, you may be too busy doing what you do to stop and think about what protection and legal advice you might need to prevent problems in the future. And even if you do have time to think about it, you may not know what questions to ask. Below are some of the things most of our business clients ask us for help with.
How to Start a BusinessIt is never too soon to start protecting yourself from the risks of a new business. If you are doing business as a sole proprietorship, without a formal entity, your personal assets may be at risk for the liabilities of your business. We can help you create the right structure for your that protects your family's assets from your business risks.
Practical Help From Contract LawyersIf you do not have solid contracts in place in your business, you may find yourself in litigation if something goes wrong. This can include contracts with your vendors and clients/customers, agreements with other businesses and, if you choose to use them, employment contracts. We create clear and understandable contracts to make sure your interests are protected.
Legal Advice on Using Independent ContractorsMany people want to use independent contractors instead of W-2 employees when first starting out in their business. This can be tempting, as there are cost-savings involved, and you may feel like you are not ready to make a full commitment to employees. However, Massachusetts law strictly limits who can be considered a contractor. The cost of getting it wrong can be much higher than putting some people on payroll. We can help make sure you get this right.
Getting Employment Policies RightThe last thing you need is an expensive employee lawsuit. There are many laws in Massachusetts that protect employees, laws which keep changing each year. It is easy to make a mistake, or overlook a new requirement that you are unaware of. It is equally easy to get legal advice ahead of time, to avoid these mistakes and resulting litigation. We help steer you away from those traps before they become a problem.
Handling Employee Discipline and TerminationIf you have to let someone go, an ounce of prevention is worth at least a pound of cure. Though Massachusetts is an employment "at-will" state, the list of protected classes and protected activities under discrimination and retaliation laws covers more people than you might think. We provide a roadmap for the termination process that steers you away from common legal mistakes and manages any risk you may have.
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Resolving Disputes and Civil Lawsuits
Defending a lawsuit was not part of your plan, but sometimes it happens. When it does, you want someone in your corner who will not only defend you but make it a priority to get to resolution as quickly as possible. There may also be disputes that arise from time to time where you need to protect your business by seeking relief in court. We can help you with that too.
Visit our Business Law Solutions page for more information.
